a journey into understanding hearing loss

Our ability to effectively communicate is essential to everyday life. For an individual to effectively communicate, one must use a variety of sensory inputs from their environment. The modalities which must be utilized are visual cues, cognitive and contextual cues, all predicated by one of our five senses - hearing.

Hearing Loss Statistics

- There are over 48 millionAmericans with a hearing loss​- 1 in 3 people over the age of 60 have a hearing loss- Tinnitus affects up to 45 million Americans and 90 percent have some degree of hearing loss. - A large number of people wait 15 years from the time they know they have a hearing loss before they seek the assistance they need- According to a survey by the Better Hearing Institute, hearing loss has negatively impacted household income on an average of up to $12,000 per yer. The use of hearing aids can reduce this by as much​ as 50 percent.​​

So, how do we hear?

The ear is divided into 3 distinct sections, the outer ear, the middle ear, and inner ear; each responsible in transferring sound in a unique way.

The outer ear begins on what most people consider is their ear which is the pinna. This section comprises the pinna, the ear canal, and the eardrum. When a sound occurs in the environment, it is captured by the pinna and is funneled into the ear canal to the eardrum, causing it to vibrate.

This vibration is then transferred to the middle ear which starts at the eardrum and ends at a very small 'window' in the cochlea. Between the eardrum and cochlea are 3 very small bones called ossicles, which are the smallest in the human body; these bones are called the Malleus, Incus, and Stapes (otherwise known as the hammer, anvil, and stirrup). ​​

​The vibration is then received by the cochlea which is filled with fluid. As the stirrup presses on the 'window' of the cochlea the fluid within the cochlea begins to move in a wave like fashion. The fluid then deflects specialized hair cells within the structure which sends a nerve impulse to the auditory nerve and is received by the auditory cortex of the brain where the sound is interpreted.​

What are the types of hearing loss?

There are essentially 3 types of hearing loss; sensorineural, conductive, and a mixed hearing loss.

A sensorineural hearing loss indicates there may be damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathways between the inner ear and the auditory cortex of the brain. This type of hearing loss comprises almost 95% of all hearing loss, and unfortunately, is not medically or surgically correctable. Some of the more common causes of a sensorineural hearing loss include: noise exposure, genetics, age, and medications which may be ototoxic to name a few.

A conductive hearing loss comprises of only about 5% of all hearing loss today. This type of hearing loss is often medically treatable and can sometimes help restore an individuals hearing. A conductive hearing loss affects the outer and or the middle ear of the individual. Some of the most common causes of a conductive hearing loss are: excessive ear wax in the ear canal, an external or middle ear infection, otosclerosis (stiffing of the 3 ossicles), or may be something more serious. Rest assured, our audiologist are trained in identifying this type of hearing loss.

A mixed hearing loss is a hearing loss which is a combination of a conductive hearing loss and a sensorineural hearing loss.​

So, are there risk factors to a hearing loss?

There have been recent study's showing increased risk factors to hearing loss. Here are a few:

1) Smoking: Current smokers have a 70 percent high risk of having a hearing loss than non smokers.2) Heart Health: People with low frequency hearing loss are considered at risk for cardiovascular events.3) Hypertension: There is a significant association between high blood pressure and untreated hearing loss. Hypertension can be an accelerating actor of hearing loss in older adults.4) Diabetes: Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as there peers without.​

How can hearing loss affect an individual?

Untreated hearing loss is a health and quality of life issue with surprising implications. Here are a few:

1) Memory and Hearing Loss: Several studies have linked untreated hearing loss to negative effects on the human brain which may include a greater likely hood in developing dementia over time than those who retain their hearing (an individual can be up to 5 times more like to develop dementia depending on the severity of their hearing loss). 2) Mental Health and Hearing Loss:Adults 50 and older who have an untreated hearing loss are more likely to report anxiety and depression than peers who wore hearing aids. Additionally individuals have reported an increase in irritability, stress, and fatigue.2) Falling and Hearing Loss: People with a mild hearing loss are three times more likely to have a history of falling. 3) Reduced Social Interaction: Many individuals with a hearing loss find they do not enjoy the activities they routinely enjoyed prior to the hearing loss. Individuals will tend to avoid and withdrawal from social situations because of increased difficulty in communicating. ​

How can we help you along your journey to better hearing?

If your are diagnosed with a hearing loss your audiologist will work hand in hand with you and your family customizing a personalized treatment plan. Kaw Valley Hearing takes a result driven patient centered approach to your hearing healthcare and we are committed to finding the best hearing solution that fits within your budget, complements your lifestyle, and works best for your level of hearing loss.